Recycling First may be small, but our impact is big. With the help of donors, volunteers and partners, we continue to fight poverty, protect the environment, and support people across East Lothian.
Supporting Families
- 474 households in need received essential help.
- £65,846 worth of furniture provided free through referrals.
- 815 starter packs supplied to 185 families moving into new tenancies.
Protecting the Environment
- 83 tonnes of furniture and household goods diverted from landfill this year.
- 3,148 items collected from local residents; 3,460 items re-used.
- Over 670 tonnes donated and 361 tonnes reused through referrals in the past nine years.
Building Skills & Community
- 7,741 people accessed affordable furniture through our warehouse.
- 2,031 volunteer hours contributed by our core team.
- 21 community payback participants completed 1,880 hours of meaningful work.
- Many volunteers gained the confidence and skills to move into paid employment.
Why It Matters
Every sofa, cooker and starter pack we deliver eases pressure on families, gives a second life to valuable resources, and builds community resilience. With a fraction of the turnover of larger charities, Recycling First delivers a social and environmental return that punches far above its weight.
👉 Want to support us? Donate furniture, volunteer your time, or visit our warehouse to shop affordable, pre-loved items. Together, we can make East Lothian fairer, greener and stronger.